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Diet tips: How to build six-pack abs, make your core strong and lean

To shape toned abs, create a small but steady calorie gap. Keep your protein intake high, eat carbs around your workouts, include some good fats, and stick to this plan day in and day out.

September 04, 2025 / 17:35 IST
You won't reveal your abs through drastic actions—you'll expose them by striking a balance sticking to routines, and maintaining a healthy diet. (Image: Pexels)

As you can see, abs don't just come from exercise. You might work out for hours, but those muscles will stay hidden if you don't eat right. The answer isn't to diet like crazy or cut out whole group of food. It's to create a balanced meal plan that helps you lose fat without draining your strength or energy.

Keep a small calorie deficit

Many people cut their calories too much. This can make you lose weight fast, but it also slows down how your body burns energy and leaves you feeling beat. Try to have a small steady deficit instead. This way, your body can burn fat while you stay strong enough to do well in your workouts.

Also read: Why eating a banana before your workout could be ultimate energy hack

Eat enough protein

Protein has a big impact on muscle growth and upkeep. It also keeps you feeling full for longer making it easier to stick to your plan. Put a good source of protein in each meal. This could be lean meat, fish, eggs, dairy, or plant options like beans and lentils.

Make smart choices with carbs

Carbs have a reputation for being bad, but your body needs them for energy when you push yourself in training. The key lies in when you eat them and how much. Load up on carbs before and after your workouts to power your body and help it bounce back, but go easy on them at other times.

Don't cut out fats

Good fats play a big role in keeping your hormones balanced, your brain working well, and your meals filling. Add things like nuts, seeds olive oil, or avocado to your diet, but keep in mind that fats pack a lot of calories so a little goes a long way.

Also read: No onion, no garlic sattvic meals are the simplest way to restore gut health

Keep at it

You won't see abs pop up overnight. What counts is sticking to these habits every single day. Creating a routine you like is what makes your results last. The more you stick to it the better your chances of showing off the abs you've been working so hard to get.

Ishita Batra
first published: Sep 4, 2025 04:50 pm

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